Senior Lancashire Police officer Peter Lawson dead aged 50

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson Pic: Lancashire Police

A senior police officer who began his career in Preston has died.

Lancashire Constabulary confirmed assistant chief constable Peter Lawson had passed away aged 50.

ACC Lawson died at his home address during Sunday (10 December) morning and his death is understood to be medical related. A file is being prepared for the coroner.

Chief Constable Chris Rowley led tributes to ACC Lawson.

He said: “This is incredibly sad and tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Pete’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Pete’s death will come as a shock to the entire force and the wider police family across the country. He was an outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride. He was also highly respected and admired by all who knew him and worked with him.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and we will support them as much as we can.

“We want to respect their privacy and would ask that the public and media do so too.

“We will offer support to all our staff and those who worked with Pete, as we mourn his loss.”

ACC Lawson was also the executive chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum.

He looked after the people and specialist uniform operations brief for Lancashire Police.

The police website stated: “He is an accredited Strategic Firearms, Public Order, and Multi-Agency commander and has been involved in the policing of many high-profile events and incidents during his career ranging from sporting occasions to protests and large civic and protection events.”

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden also paid tribute.

He said: “ACC Lawson represented the very best of policing. He embodied the values of service, duty and integrity. It has been an honour to have worked with him.

“I will miss Pete and Lancashire has lost a dedicated and capable public servant.

“He had such an incredible intellect and insight, a calm and reassuring presence – and that sharp wit and warming smile.

“My thoughts are with his wife, family, friends and the wider police family.”

PC Paul Elliott, who heads up policing of Preston North End games and runs the @pnepolice account, paid tribute.

He said: “As a PC it’s rare to come into direct contact with ACPO ranks, however, as a football officer the regularlity of ‘having the ear’ of ACC’s and DCC’s increases considerably.

“Mr Lawson was regularly a commander for PNE games and was a tremendous leader and support to me over the years.

“Mr Lawson didn’t see rank he would regularly call to ask ‘what do you think’ a quality anyone who works or worked in policing will know means an awful lot and is all too rare these days.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Lawson’s family and friends. Thank you for your service.”

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer Justin Johnson paid tribute saying: “Awful news. All of our thoughts are with Pete’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredible difficult time.”

If you worked with Peter Lawson and would like to pay tribute, you can do so in the comments below or email contactus@blogpreston.co.uk

Subscribe: You can now opt-in to receive Blog Preston news updates through Whatsapp via this link.